Discover Yakutat by river, fjord and bay. The Situk River brings together diverse fish, fishing and riverside trails; along the coast and in Yakutat Bay, you can also see birds and marine mammals from different vantage points. If you’re looking for accommodation in Yakutat, these different nature experiences can offer a starting point for planning your trip.
River, Fjord and Birdlife
Five species of Pacific salmon and Dolly Varden trout live in the Situk River. The river is also associated with Alaska’s largest documented steelhead run. The Maggie John Trail follows the Situk River through a spruce forest to Oxbow, where there are opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Another forested trail leads to the open waters of Russell Fjord. Various seabirds can be seen on the beaches. On foot, the focus is on forest, riverbank and beach—a different kind of nature experience from a longer outing on the water.
More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the Yakutat area. Black Sand Spit, a peninsula in the Situk-Arhnklin estuary, is an excellent nearby birdwatching spot. Humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, belugas and minke whales have been seen in Yakutat Bay.
Waterways and Sea Kayaking
A 13.5-mile section of the Situk River can be run in a floating boat from Nine Mile Bridge to Lower Landing in approximately six to eight hours. Allow time for a longer outing; river conditions and safety requirements vary. Hundreds of miles of waterways in the Yakutat area can be explored by canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat or motorized skiff. Wildlife viewing is also possible from canoes, kayaks, private boats and charter boats.
The sheltered blue waters of Icy Bay are well suited to sea kayaking, with glacier scenery and diverse wildlife shaping the experience. Access and conditions depend on the wilderness setting. Icy Bay is accessible only by small bush planes. Yakutat has authorized air taxis for operations in the park; operators and permits may change. Check the latest information before planning your trip. Tide books are especially important when boating, kayaking, fishing and hiking along the coast around Yakutat. Also take current conditions and local guidance into account.
Surfing is also a summer activity in Yakutat. Waves of up to 25 feet are possible. The activity is seasonal and weather dependent.
Cultural and Transportation History
The Yakutat Kwaan established a canoe trade route between Yakutat and Dry Bay. Its official name is Yakutat to Dry Bay Ancestral Lingit Canoe Route. It is one of the cultural and historical aspects that shape Yakutat beyond its nature experiences.
The Yakutat and Southern was built in 1903 to transport raw fish and is now closed. Historical remnants still visible in Yakutat include cannons pointing out to sea from positions near the beach. Alongside the trade routes and waterside landscape, these traces offer another perspective on the area’s history.
Getting There and Planning Your Accommodation
Yakutat is accessible only by air or water. Factor your arrival and departure into your stay plans well in advance.
Explore more destinations: Yakutat, Haines Borough, Anchorage, Kodiak Island Borough, Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Sitka, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Petersburg Census Area.
Go to the main travel overview: Alaska.
